The Newtown bee., 1887-12-30
STEpNEY.

Mrs Jennie Campbell of Stratford, George and Fred Lyon spent Christmas with Mrs Belle Lyon; Harvey Lyon and George Durand of Bridgeport were also home.
 Mrs Amos Marsh and Miss Emma Gil- bert are at the parsonage; also Mrs Reu- ben Loomis, sister of Mrs Gilbert.
 Philo Lyon and family were Christmas guests of Mrs Charles Lane.
 Perry Hubbell and wife of Bridgeport are at David Hubbell's.
 Abram Purdy and family. Mir and Mrs Orrin Platt enjoyed a Christmas dinner with Zalmon Purdy.
 William Beardsley. divinity student of Berkeley, Middletown, is home for the holidays.
 William Nichols of Bridgeport came home tor Christmas with a nice bedroom suit as present to his m other.
 Mrs L. o. Osborne was at Bridgeport, Christmas, guest of $. " Nichols,
 Ladies aid society will meet, next We'd nesday afternoon and evening, in the church parlors. Important business; full attendance desired. the sing ing school in the Baptist church base ment, Saturday evening at o'clock.
 
 to follow. Come along D. G. Law son will preach his first anniversary ser mon at the Baptist church. next Sunday at m.-Last Lords day and evening, Iarge congregations attended the Baptist church and manifested great enjoyment throughout the entire services. It was an impressive and heart-cheering sight to witness the change in appearance and ex- precision of the new members. as they in- dividually offered praise to God in select d passages of Scripture, chiefly men and women up in life. A glorious finish to Dur first years work, 36 new members praising God and seekers on their feet requesting our prayers,-The Christmas entertainment at the Baptist church, Mon day evening, was an occasion Of delight to all present and, by substantial remem- orance, to many absent likewise. The pulpit platform and the pillars were ar Istically dressed in keeping with the seas. on, while the spiritual emblems shone through the graceful hangingsto 10 impress us with the sacred significance of Christ mas beyond our temporal joys. Love for he Lord must have guided in the decor ations, rather than the common spirit of competitive display The same sweet harmony characterized the exercises throughout. The songs of praise. the r-citations and the words of Mir and Mrs Santa Claus were all we'll chosen and ex- pressed. At the close of the formal pro gram, in behalf of the church. the Sun day school and many friends, Dea Haw- 1 ley presented the pastor with purse con aiming generous sum of money. The | pastor had no sooner resumed his seat, af- ter a heartfelt response to the deacon s touching speech, than sleigh bells were | heard and considerable chatter behind the | platform curtain. that mysterious curtain | improvsed to screen great wonders from | he anxious gaze of so many anticipating eyes Duly the curtain dropped and there sat Santa Claus in his sleigh, wrapped in | bis furS and surrounded with presents and toothsome treat for the little ones, whc waited his coming so patiently and well A hearty welcome the old fellow got and | he deserved it. too, for all were remember ed at his hand. Joy lighted up the little faces all around, reAecting happiness ir nlder hearts. who realize at such a time the Savior's precious truth, Tis more blessed to give than to receive.
 The graceful dress in which the aadito rium of the Methodist sanctuary was ar rayed, last Sunday. as we'll as the Script ure lessons, the pulpit themes and th' inspiring songs were well fitted to call tt mind the grand event which an angel de -cribad as Good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people" The even ing service of song was charming sym phony. A noteworthy feature was a tri by Misses Annie, Jessie and Lucy Ha wiley The pastors theme for next Sunday after noon will be. "The Old Year and the New.
 Special attention is called to the ad journed meeting of the Baptist society i he church to. morrow Saturday. after noon at o'clock. Let a full representa- ton be present for the satisfactory trans action of important business.